Therapist, Child and Adolescent

OVERVIEW

Provides direct therapeutic treatment and educational services to children and adolescents presenting with mental health and substance use concerns. Work is performed under general supervision and is guided by agency policies and procedures, quality assurance, public and private payor guidelines, diagnostic guidelines and professional practices and including ethical standards related to client interactions, state and federal licensure and accreditation regulations and guidelines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conducts intake and follow-up interviews of children, adolescents, and families, completes assessments and develops diag­nosis and trauma-informed treatment plans.


2. Provides crisis intervention services and risk assessments.


3. Conducts group, play, individual and family therapy ses­sions.


4. Organizes educational groups for parents, guardians and family members.


5. Prepares and maintains clinical and other case documentation including treatment plans, progress notes and periodic assessments.


6. Provides expert testimony in court and legal proceedings.


7. Coordinates with Victim Witness Assistance Programs, local law enforcement, local DSS staff, FAPT, and any other child serving agencies.


8. Consults with school and juvenile court officials, agency treatment staff and representatives of other agencies or programs and provides and coordinates individual case manage­ment services including outreach and discharge planning.


9. Performs community outreach and makes professional and educational presentations to agency, staff and the public.


10. Does related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of the children and adolescents experiencing mental health and behavioral concerns, techniques and multiple treatment modali­ties; thorough knowledge of the theories and principles of child and adolescent psychology, physical and intellectual development; thorough knowledge of the principles of family and group dynamics; thorough knowledge of the service and treatment providers, other agencies and community organizations providing services to the individual population; considerable knowledge of individual manage­ment guidelines for Virginia; considerable knowledge of social casework management, including need assessment and supportive level counseling; ability to complete assessments, provide individual, group, family therapy as well as psycho-educational groups; ability to establish and maintain rapport with the individual population; ability to conduct effective interviews, observe, assess and record individual behaviors and functioning and develop treatment and service plans; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff of other private and public agencies and organizations; ability to confidently provide expert testimony in both oral and written formats; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to operate a vehicle; ability to function calmly in stressful situa­tions; ability to prepare and maintain detailed records and prepare related reports.

TYPICAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Master's Degree in the Behavioral Sciences and some clini­cal work experience providing direct therapy to children and adolescents to include trauma-informed practices.

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid VA driver's license. Licensed or Licensed- eligible as LCSW, LPC, or LCP in Virginia.

OTHER

Must possess all qualifications and skills required by federal and state regulations to bill Medicaid for the services provided. See Medicaid Billing Addendum.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL EXPOSURE

Work involves some exposure to disagreeable environmental conditions such including the requirement to intensely interacting with challenging and potentially hostile and aggressive individuals having unsanitary behaviors, poor hygiene and/or contagious illness during extended day shifts; drive a vehicle in inclement, if not severe weather.

RELATIONSHIPS

Relationships require excellent communication, social and interpersonal skills, tact and the use of specialized techniques to elicit information from and convey information to clients including hostile and abusive individuals and client families; represent the agency, program and individual to clinical professionals or other service providers, governmental organizations and regulatory agencies, law enforcement and judicial authorities, or other community stakeholders concerning client treatment, care coordination and programming; lead meetings, conduct briefings and make presentations.

RACSB maintains a drug-free workplace environment. All candidates who receive conditional offers of employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background check, including criminal history, driving record, and verification of credentials. Additionally, employees are subject to random drug testing throughout their employment. Our comprehensive screening program reflects our commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy workplace and providing high-quality services to our community.